Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) claps during a game this season. Rubio is expected to return from his knee injury in December. / Brace Hemmelgarn, US Presswire

by Scott M Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

by Scott M Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports

After All-Star forward Kevin Love made a surprisingly early return from an injury (broken left hand) that occurred at training camp, now the Timberwolves could be getting their electrifying point guard back sooner than expected.

David Kahn said he still isn't putting a timetable on Rubio's return, as he hasn't done all along.

But there's no question Rubio's return is getting closer, maybe closer than expected, particularly if you weren't expecting him back until Christmas or later.

He's been working out quite vigorously on his own before games - just saw him working up a sweat shooting and doing other drills - and it's certainly possible he could be back in a game perhaps even sometime that first week of December, or shortly thereafter.

Minnesota could certainly use Rubio back, and not just for his flash style of play that makes him a team and fan favorite. Following a 5-2 start, the Timberwolves are in the middle of a five-game losing streak and have been exposed defensively in recent contests, particularly by penetrating guards.

The Timberwolves could use Rubio's defense to jumpstart a turnaround in the team's rough stretch.

"When (Rubio) was healthy last year, he was very good keeping the people in front of him," Rick Adelman said via The Star-Tribune. "He was able to control the guard he was guarding and not let him get around him. He was in the Top 5 in steals. He was always in the right spot defensively as a team defender, too. He'll help us. He's give us a little more size there. His instincts will help us a lot."